Media Coverage of Plaxico Burress Shooting

 

A year and day after Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was murdered in his home, New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress accidently shot himself in the leg.

Burress was out with teammates in a Manhattan nightclub when a handgun he was carrying went off and wounded his right thigh.

In the days since there has been much media coverage about the questionable judgment of Burress. 

Plaxico Burress (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Sportswriters and former players alike have been critical of Burress.  And I agree he did not act in the most responsible way, but where is the mention of the need of high-profile athletes to protect themselves.

I feel the media coverage shows a common theme in sports coverage.  I find that most sportswriters or former players come analysts foster a resentment towards today’s players and their high salaries. 

Sean Taylor was murdered a year ago.  On September 25, 2000 Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce was stabbed 11 times in the face and neck at a nightclub in Boston.

I am not saying that Burress was acting responsibly, but maybe the NFL should adopt a program that educates players on personal safety and security.

Burress was carrying a weapon he did not have a permit for, there is no excuse.  But I am saying I understand his concern for personal safety, and wish that someone in the media might also bring this up.